Robotech is still my favorite anime series of all time.

Even though this is Friday, and I know FFF is lurking ahead, I am convinced that this is still the craziest shit I'll see on here all day. BLASPHEMY, SIR!! #8 and #5 are the only ones that have anything to do with the core show itself, so this list could easily have been called "2 thing Robotech did that Macross didn't, and me bitching about sequals and music". Not only is this fail, sir, this is fail backwards.

I'm too embarrassed to say how many times I rented Clash of the Bionoids from Blockbuster. Another major plus for Robotech is the book series, written by Jack McKinney. Not only did the novels successfully make Marcoss, Southern Cross and Mospeda seem like one story, the books also completed the entire Sentinel saga. Sentienls and End of the Circle was a much better sequel (and ending) for the Marocss Sage than any of the Japanese sequals of Macross.

I'm neither a Carl Macek apologist nor am I a Macross fanatic, but this article is one of the worst things I've ever read on this site.

You're comparing apples to oranges buddy. If you at least compared just the Macross Saga portion of Robotech to Super Dimensional Fortress Macross then you'd have some legs to stand on, but including Super Dimensional Calvary Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeada in the mix is idiotic.

Both versions have their merits and their demerits.

1. Musical Score:
SDF Macross musical score is actually pretty good and fits the tone of the series better than Robotech Macross, but that doesn't mean that Robotech Macross score sucks. It's actually pretty good. The Robotech music definitely makes the Robotech Masters more watchable and even slightly improves the New Generation.

2. Songs:
Lynn Minmei sucks in both versions. Her songs are either really catchy garbage pop or dreadful pop puke, but at least Mari Iijima has a hell of a more cute and sexy voice than Rebecca "Reba West" Forstadt. Also, the songs in SDF Macross are slightly less idiotic than the Robotech Macross ones.

Now Southern Cross just sucks. It does really.

I actually think that Lance "Yellow Dancer" Belmont is awesome in both New Generation or Mospeada. The songs that either Michael Bradley or Mine Matsuki sing kick ass. I equally like both versions of Yellow and both versions of this anime.

3. Narration:

Okay this is where Robotech is major fail. That narrator is annoying and overbearing. Now I know not all kids are that bright, but let's face it, the kids watching this shit are nerds or nerds in training. They do not need to be pandered to and have every little minute detail yelled at them from some ass narrator as if their memory and IQ were that of homo erectus.

Fuck, the narration in Robotech ruins the show. It's just too much and too loud. Just shut the fuck up and let me watch the show.

4. Spin-Offs/Sequels:

Macross Plus isn't that bad. The Macross Do You Remember Love? movie is kind of good too. Even Macross Flashback 2012 is cool. Mospeada had "Love Live Alive" which is cool.

Robotech's sequels aren't that bad. I never saw the Robotech Movie, but there is a cool Michael Bradley song that came out of it. The Sentinals isn't that bad and while Shadow Chronicles is a mess, it's still enjoyable.

So neither wins or loses in this category.

As far as the rest of your points... who cares. They are pointless and weak. Stronger women? Better relationships? Better names? Are you kidding me? Who gives a shit about that stuff when you have an asshole narrator who insults your intelligence and won't shut the fuck up!

macross wins because you get to see a poorly still drawing of lynn min may naked for a whole second.

I am a solid Robtoech fan, and for years would watch my video taped copies of the entire series once a year, from beginning to end.

HOWEVER

Lyn Minmei has the worst English language songs ever written, and I have to say that the J-Pop versions of her music were better.

Fun fact: Minmei had 13 overt chances to die in the first four episodes of Robotech. At least, I think she did, my memory might be a little off, but I remember counting once.

mmmmyep.

Robotech is far better. Even just considering the Theme music which is a masterpiece.

well. I'm really getting into Macross now for the 1st time and I'm really liking it (I'm buying the original series and oav from ADV while watching the Frontier series when I'm bored online). I didn't watch Robotech as a kid so I can't compare the two. and I haven't seen the whole thing yet.

But, I did listen to the music, and maybe I just have a bad taste in music? but I love the original Macross songs much better. the ending theme "Runner" had me to the point of tears a few times.

Well, now I am sure by sometime next week. Someone else will send rob a list with the ten reasons that macross was better than robotech. And we will have a whole new round of arguments. Till then.

I did like the music for robotech better, and now I am probably going to go home and watch half my box set tomorrow.

So robotech is better than Macross because you're sissy-fide? Is that it?

"Dammit, I demand better relationships, stronger women, and better theme music in my space operas!" he said, with a slight lisp and a swish of his impeccably manicured hand.

robotech sucks.

I rather enjoy them both. I get your points and I see where you're coming from - but the Southern Cross editing had a lot to be desired. There's just scenes in the English where it just doesn't make sense at all. A couple of times Dana is said to be conflicted while she's clearly smiling - it's just weird. Plus Southern Cross just sucks either way. But the idea of culture bringing down an entire war bent alien race will infinitely make more sense over this mythical protoculture that's never clearly defined in the series ever.

I do agree with the theme music though. The music for both close and openings on Macross are all shades of 70s awful.

You know why you think Robotech is better than Macross? Because it's the version you encountered first, the same reason I think Macross is better. The differences between Macross and Robotech's Macross Saga are minimal and fighting about their superiority after all these years is almost as boring as watching grass grow.

The only reason any rational Macross fans even have a problem with Robotech is because of Harmony Gold being a dick about anything Macross related getting released outside of Japan.

Dude,

Macross rocks. And for musical score? NOTHING beats Macross Plus OST. Frontier's ispretty good too.

Man some of you take this shit more seriously than a Green Lantern Hal/Kyle debate.

While I like Macross a hell of a lot better, I grew up on Robotech. Saying this, I can't Agree with all your points. Yeah, Max and Millia Don't make a whole lot of sense unless you look at the DYRM.

My biggest complaint it that you include the squeals. That would be like bashing all the Gundams that have come out. Admittedly, the Gundam franchise is a little less....insane?

And I agree with KaiserX, Plus's OST blows everything else out of the water.

And Doublas M2 has it right. The series rocks no matter how you see it.

I love both Macross and Robotech.

Unfortunately, I only saw the Macross Saga and a couple Southern Cross episodes, so I can neither agree nor disagree.

I can say, however, that the Macross opening doesn't sound half bad when it's got electric guitars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxTsZr6cNv0

#2 and #4 hold no water!

Why?

Because Robotech has those awful pieces of shit known as Robotech The Movie AND Robotech The Shadow Chronicles, both are utter abortions!

Do I even have to mention how awful Sentinels is?

As for Robotech being longer... You still have to sit through Robotech Masters. It made Southern Cross even worse than it already was and given Southern Cross' already nigh-incomprehensible story that is saying something.

Yeah... No...

Thatcher already said everything that needs to be said about this dumb-ass list.

I liked Shadow Chronicles though...

could not agree with the list more for prefer Robotech over macross mostly found the theme annoying and macross almost watered down as for the Robotech sequals proves that the dark side to something as good as Robotech can on ocassion be let lose. plus Roy focker if parents actully back then decided to take a interest in the cartoon would no doubt cause some out rage over his name being said the other way.

I prefer Robotech, but maybe that's because all the "Macross purists" I've known were d-bags about the issue. Plenty of evidence of this in the comments above.

The Robotech story, as told in the books by "Jack McKinney" (who was actually James Luceno and Brian Daley), was far superior to both cartoons in my opinion.

I seem to be the only one that liked Macross II. An army of SDF's getting blown to hell? Come oooon. That's flippin awesome!

Bah...you call that blasphemy?

*ahem*...Fox's version of Escaflowne had more cogent editing than the original (with more insight into the plot), managed to keep a pretty acceptable level of violence considering it was for a daytime US television slot, and the new theme song, while admittedly not Yoko Kanno, was still pretty catchy in it's own right.

And the TIE fighter sound effects were a scream.

There. That's blasphemy, for ya. Nail THAT to your door and smoke it!

It seems to me that Macross sequels are about variations of a theme (culture/music/love overcoming conflict) and the Robotech Saga being more about progressing the central story. My nerd heaven would be macross animation with the storytelling of the Robotech books.

I love you!

To be honest, I didn't even like the Robotech version of Macross that much. In my book, what makes Robotech great is the addition of Mospeada as the third segment, a series which had awesome characters, a genuinely scary alien threat, exciting battles, an action transvestite, and of course, badass transforming motorcycles.

But hey, each to their own, right?

Wow, I was going to flame you sill, but you have a couple of points. A COUPLE. Hating on Robotech is like putting down your first girlfriend, who was great at the time, but nothing compared to what you found when really got out and dated. Or that a useless comparison to make?

And Macross Frontier is awesome. Leave Macross Frontier alone!

Yay Robotech!! I just like it. Don't need to rationalize that. Rationalizing is for unhappy things.

If being confined to the bridge is the equivalent of being stuck in the kitchen, then Jean-Luc Picard is a god among chefs.

I really couldn't give two shits about Robotech or the properties from which it was formed, but I can't say I approve of how Robotech was created. The shows were intended to be separate, and that's how they should have stayed out of respect to the creators.

This debate is meaningless. LISTEN TO MY SONG!

FUCK AND YES. Robotech is far superioir to macross in any way and its about time someone put together a list to show that. THANK YOU SIR

I agree--Robotech is better than Macross. The novels were excellent, and the Zentreadi become more interesting and made more sense as an alien culture once they were connected to the Robotech Masters and the Invid. Plus, putting the cool human and alien mecha designs from three different TV shows into one anime universe was a stroke of genius.

I'm not going to comment on this list, HOWEVER
I will say this.....Harmony Gold can go fuck themselves for not letting american anime companies to release macross frontier to U.S. dvd.

I was working for ADV films a few years back and went (was tricked into)going to a Anime convention. After watching countless teenage loners running around screaming wrapped in tin foil and others boxes(cosplay apparently) I retired to the bar and got stuck into a few.

After a while I fancied a game of pool and approached one of these kids asking if they fancied a game if I paid. During the game he asked what I did as I clearly looked out of place. I responded I was there to check out the convention and to see the Robotech DVD( Which was clearly labeled as Macross everywhere) The look on the kids face as he corrected me was priceless. He then sunk the black and F*cked off to have a laugh at my expense with his chums...Priceless

Rob, as much as I like you and TR, I really can't shake the feeling that your fondness of Robotech comes exclusively from nostalgia. If you'd seen Macross in the 80's instead, you'd probably be on the opposite side of this debate, and be running a list in accordance with THAT belief. I'm not a fan of either Macross or Robotech, but I cannot condone the butchering of three shows to make one "more fit" for American audiences. An anime series is someone's creative vision, and cutting it up destroys that. If Macek had his own vision, he should've made his own show.

Ya know, back in the days of Rec.Arts.Anime I would have replied "HA HA HA HA troll"

Hey, whadda ya know, that STILL works!

Amen. Whiny anime fans have tried to impose their tyranny over everyone else for years, but the entire epic is very worthy.

Anyway you missed the obvious two reasons:

a. Minmei's only in 1/3rd of Robotech, and therefore less annoying in proportion to the whole series; and

b. MOTHERFUCKING TRANSFORMING MOTORCYCLES.

Fuck all y'all, Mazinger Z is a better show then Robotech and Macross.

Fun info: When the cut & paste results in a good show it´s a big thing. When the cut & paste results in a bad movie it´s tried to be lowered down.

Quite fun to see that you love the show but dislike the movie(it isn´t even a Robotech based movie!!) or what you did write.

But the show is a Robotech series? The only thing that changed between the show and this particular movie is that there are 3 series and only 1 movie that they took scenes from and called it Robotech.

It was a long time since I watched Robotech. I´ll admit that and I do hope I can find the time to watch it from start to finish.

But this list, I had a good laugh reading it. It´s fun to see that there actually exists people that are so obsessed with having the "better" version of a show that they go to this length.

Enjoy the show and keep it that way. Don´t try to be "watching the better show" since that isn´t nice.

I enjoyed basically all the Macross shows I´ve seen. From Robotech I haven´t seen all but I enjoyed watching that as well.

So I don´t care if it´s a three series turned one or anything. As long as the show is interesting to watch I will watch it.

Hmmm... I know it's all meant for laughs, but I thought I heard Macross Frontier was good? So I shouldn't look into it then?

Stage lights flashing.
The feelings smashing...
This is my time to be a star!

Of course, the cools dorks prefer Robotech.

I call bullshit!

Simple fact:
You have an original series (good)... you have the "Americanization" of said series (bad).

It's not good when we get the "Americanized" versions of British TV shows/movies, so it's not good!

The arguments for everything here are prefaced with notions of a childhood lens of experiencing anything different from regular cartoon shows, and the fact that they took 3 different series and put it into one show.

You grow up, you acknowledge you watched crap growing up.. you recify it by watching better things, and exposing your kids to the same (as much as you can).

I'll admit they did a pretty good job trying to splice 3 animes together, and tack on a coherent story explaining the frankenstein job. But that's all.

Mike is far superior to Joel.

I Like Robotech better.
The voices were less annoying, and the fact they incorporated others shows with equally awesome transforming gismos into the mythology.
Freakin SWEET.
Plus...I hate them hardcore anime nerds.
I used to love anime until these forevervirgins came along and twisted anime into a big joke.

Minmei is a whore.

Best article EVAR!

You Realize that this hole thing it´s both useless and stupid.
Macross, southern cross mospeada and Robotech are the Same damn thing with a different dubbing.
Robotech it´s classic and beloved because it´s the way we all watched it the first time.
and macross it the real deal using the original terms and names.
it´s not like you are discussing about transformers and go-bots or filmation ghostbusters and "real" ghostbusters or marvel or dc, A discussion about this it´s like discussing if its porsche or Porsha´.

This is more like Eight Reasons Why Robotech is Different than Macross. I expected invalid points and they were delivered. You could say Macross is better than Robotech for the same reasons you do the opposite (for instance, I would say being shorter is in Macross's benefit).

Anyway, you don't need eight reasons. Just one that says "I like Robotech more because it's the one I watched as a kid."

I think most people on here like Macross part of Robotech. That is the Robotech that is not changed that much. But once you look at the whole Robotech that was envisioned in the states then its hard to argue its better. It just doesn't make any sense.

I just asked someone if you watched southern cross or any of the other bad Robotech movies and such and I got a not really, I just like the Macross part.

So sorry, you really like macross.

The real reason I don't like Robotech is because Carl Macek has blocked just about all the other good Macross into the US. Frontier is pretty awesome and it puts Shadow Cronicles to shame.

I've long thought that the theme music to Robotech would be a great wedding march.

But my wife said no.

I've only seen Robotech so I'm really in no position to judge, but I trust the Japanese to write a coherent storyline for an animated series about as much as I would trust a cannibal to watch my kids.

As an anime fan from the day I saw my first Battle of the Planets episode as a 5 year old child (Now THERE'S a show that was butchered by the translation), I have to laugh at this list, especially all the purists getting upset over it. TR has kicked a giant robot-sized anthill here. :D

Honestly, both series are pretty hokey, and I'm sure the one you love more will be the one you saw first in your youth (which happens to be Robotech in my case).

Also, the books were amazingly awesome, much less hokey than the show, and had a proper ending, even if it wasn't the one envisioned by Macek. And everything tied together and made sense at the end, even the events from the first few chapters. :D

Own both Macross and Robotech and have a few observations:

(1) Macross reveals some more "adult" shenanigans censored from Robotech, which, when imagined as part of Robotech, flesh out the characters better (I always suspected that Folker and Dixon were perverts in Robotech, and Macross proves it).

(2) Background music for Robotech is marginally better (and there's more of it), but Minmei in Macross is (a) actually in tune, and (b) has more than three or four songs to contribute (though it is sucky J-POP).

(4) Wish the Macross redub used the same voice actors (and Zentradi reverb) as Robotech. Must watch Macross subtitled to tolerate it (but then sound quality is crappy).

(5) Macross implies that the Zentradi spies are not only perverts, but pedophiles as well (I think I could've gone through life without knowing that).

(6) In Macross, Claudia lives! (I think).

(7) Much more drinking in Macross (it's not tea). Also, in Macross, Gloval conducts his initial inspection of the SDF-1 while hung over(awesome).

(8) I agree that Macross is more chauvinistic, although Robotech doesn't really do any favors for women either.

In the end, I liked Macross well enough, but continue to be nostalgic for Robotech. Still, watching both in my adult life makes me realize how ridiculous some of the story elements really were (see first date video in the article for proof).

Macross Frontier episode #7

A M.A.C. III ask permission to use a frigate deck to fire its main guns.

That only sequence pays for the WHOLE DAMN MACROSS/ROBOTECH discussion (transforming bikes a cool, but I already had TRON bikes which are INSANELY COOLER).

Stage Fright! Go Away! this is my big day!

I prefer my robots and stuff to be steam punk.

I don't see the need for a list. Robotech was not presented as the creators intended. The end.

I feel vindicated by TR's assessment of the Max/Miriya romance. One of the worst arguments I've ever had with my boyfriend was over the sexism inherent in that storyline (he refused to see it as sexist, although I was probably walking on thin ice by criticizing one of his most beloved childhood memories). It got pretty ugly, but on the other hand I suppose I should be grateful that we tend to argue about entertainment, and not money or infidelity or anything like that.

Harmony gold kills Battletech/Mechwarrior bit by little bit.
That's enough.

1+1=2. Humans breath oxygen. On a clear midday the sky is blue. A cat is not a dog (and vice versa). Robotech is better than Macross.

dude ... cam clark is gay! you seem to have this hero worship thing going on about how much of a panty dropper he is but the only pantys he drops have a meaty surprise hidden inside.
... and all your points are shit! your just trolling to see nerds rageout.

Robotech books FTW. Both animes were a letdown after reading those.

...Yes I read the books first. So what?

Also: MAH-KUH-ROSS!

Funny thing about that point about Macross' sequels and follow ups against Robotech's: Robotech might have fewer sequels and spinoffs, but those for Macross that are genuinely good outnumber those for Robotech. Especially if you count Macross 7 and Frontier, which some people probably would...

Also, Macross has a couple more decent games: Sega's Macross on PS2, and Macross Ace Frontier for the PSP.

Also also, the theme to Robotech sounds like a shitty Buck Rogers rip-off. How's that for flamebait?

I too am a huge Robotech fan, but I'm also a big Macross fan. I disagree that the Macross spin-offs were crap (except for Zero which just didn't make any damn sense).

The thing that I find with Robotech vs Macross is that they both offer two very different feels. Whereas Macross continues with the music theme and becomes a more general fantasy space-opera, Robotech maintains a much heavier war theme.

Also, with Macross being completely Japanese, it naturally comes off very much like most other anime in feel. Robotech however tends to come off as more straight up American Science Fiction.

Both shows are fantastic however and I'd always recommend both to people that are interested.

Erm, I actually meant Macross ULTIMATE Frontier for the PSP, not Ace Frontier. Ace Frontier is a straight up game adaptation of the Frontier series.

ULTIMATE Frontier is a super crossover game, pulling together ALL of the shows in Macross continuity, including the great Plus and DYRL, and even the disowned Macross II: Lovers Again.

And there's apparently a secret challenge where you fight every pilot in Macross history... who are all piloting Macrosses.

Min Maye's cheesy songs, Roy Fokker and Gloria, Dana Sterlings showers scenes (two of them!). pin-point defense shields. Best mech of the 80's. Macross not so much.

Oh, man... Robotech Vs Macross again.
You've got some good points but still "Robotech" is second to "Macross".
I think you left out the Sega produced PS2 Macross Game witch obliterates "Battle Cry" & "Ace Frontire" for the PSP.
As for the Music i rather listen to "My Boyfriend's a Pilot" 500 times in a row than 1 time to "We will Win". Macross has the way better Music (seriously, "Fate's Arrow" or "Dog Fight" Theme crush anything on the "Robotech" Soundtrack).
"Robotech" may have been longer but it's f*ckin' cut together from 3 totaly div. Series witch shows... hard (even when your a kid). And worst of all makes things illogical with vehicles that get bulkier and bulkier.
Oh, well... "Robotech" introduced me (and others probably too, to Macross). So at least it's done one thing right.

Amen for the transforming motorcycles... but the thing here, in my opinion, is that Mospeada and Southern Cross are the winners having Macross as its foundation.

Not only the bikes, but Admiral Hunter is somewhere giving orders and shit, giving some sense of legacy.

Now, the worst Macross sequel (Macross 7, in my opinion) beats the shit out of any Robotech sequel/spin-off. No discussion about it. The fact that there are fewer is not really valid when the crapiness of said sequels multiplies the offense a thousand times.

About the women in Macross... I agree in that their portrayal is not really flattering. Minmay is jailbait, and Frontier not only has underage idols, but now they LOOK underage, and that's kinda creepy. Misa seems to be the mature one, but she's involved with a 17 year old kid who dates a 15 year old (wise choice!).

In contrast, Rook Bartley is almost the equivalent of Max in "New Generation", and that's badass.

This article is bad. Your opinions are bad and wrong. That's really all there is to it. Trolling anime fans is not funny enough to waste a whole article on. Shame, sir. Shame!

You guys are forgetting that ALL of the stories after Robotech and before Shadow Chronicles have been wiped from continuity.

In fact, the impending Robotech live action will completely retcon everthing before Shadow Rising. Why?

HG is waiting till AFTER that movie is released so that they can retcon everything to fit in to the movie. You don't think so? Why do you guys think Sentinels utterly failed? No good toy promotions. What will a RLAM bring with it? Great toy promotions. Then HG will have enough interest for a Robotech show.

Why is this situation the way it is? Because HG doesn't have a creative bone in its body, nor any competency in animation. Why can Macross Zero have intense dog fights and NEW fighters but Shadow Chronicles is still using 1990's era CG and 1980's era mechanical design? Its because HG can't afford to innovate.

Robotech is a bungled franchise, and HG is waiting for the hand of God to save it. This is in contrast to Macross, which not only has had 3 TV series', but also 5 movies, several Direct to Video series AND some of the greatest toys ever. Robotech gets poorly designed products based on 1980's era toy design.

I love the old manly ballads of 70s and 80s anime. They all sound like they have the exact same singer, but hell, they're just so manly and passionate haha.

Todd you are a troll! I CALL BULLSHIT!!!!

Macross Forever!!!!

Rob, this is the first article you have written that has actually made me angry. The music in Robotech is better than Macross...seriously? SERIOUSLY? "Do you Remember Love" is a beautiful song. Also, Macross II with all of it's flaws has one of the greatest opening songs of all time "A Hush Like 200 Million Years". Macross Plus has one of the best scores ever created for an anime, ever, thanks to the very talented Yoko Kanno. Macross 7 can be a little hokey, but Fire Bomber is a hell of a lot of fun.

I honestly have never watched a Robotech sequel in full, but I find it very hard to believe that any of them can top Macross Plus, which I consider to be almost a masterpeice. Some are a little quirky (Macross II and and 7) but most are awesome (Do you Remember Love?, Plus, Zero and Frontier).

As for series length, here I can remedy that, how about you watch Macross, Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeda (the three shows that make up Robotech) uncut and it will then longer than Robotech! I mean you are certainly entitled to your opnion given this is your website and all, but I am having a lot of trouble agreeing with very many of your points presented here.

I remember watching robotech as a kid and had the robot/jet action figures.
That was back when anime was good and made sense.

I'm reading the comments and guess waht ? Macross is winning against robocrap AGAIN. Those roboshit fanboys cannot handle the fact that their crap is dying from a slow and painful while Macross is doing fucking well. Todd like any roboturd fanboys have mental problems and should get treatment before it's too late (I know it's too late but some hope remains).

He even admitted that roboturd sequels were craps. Can you really guys take that article seriously after that ?

ah and now all the retarded macross fan bois go nuts

get over it, its a friggin cartoon for christs sake!

The autor said that Macross sequels were craps but he admitted that Macross Plus and Macross : DYRL? were "genuinely great". He did not name even ONE robotech sequel that was at least decent by his standards. Hence, he used the expression "Robotech's sequels are horrid". :rofl: So why anyone having a working brain should take that article seriously ? Only iditos are taking this seriously I guess ...

But reading the comments, you can cleary tell that Macross fans are outsmarting the robotech ones by writting why Macross is the superior show with valid reasons. This reason alone should convince anyone that Macross is indeed the winner.

I loved ROBOtech. Well, except for Southern Cross, that was total shit and Dana Sterling a total dipshit twit from hell. But even worse? Trying to watch that weird-ass MACROSS shit. And whoever the fuck kept fucking with it, making this sequel or that, that made no sense, wow, they really helped out! Anyway, I have fond memories of ROBOtech but anime now? I wouldn't watch it unless paid $50 bucks an hour...

So the number one reason why one thing is better than another is the theme music? What. The. Eff.

Do you guys proof these articles before they go up on the site? Who is "Todd"? Based on the article, "Todd" seems like someone who really likes Robotech and doesn't really like Macross, but can't give good reasons as to why this is the case. Really the article should have been called 'Why Todd thinks Robotech beats the balls off Macross'.

Here's the deal; both series came out over 20 years ago. Macross offers a much simpler and more straightforward story than Robotech and despite the multiple movies and OVA's for Macross, they are usually one and done things. Robotech is a massive story that could go on and on and on forever if the creators got their heads out of their asses and took this property to the proper places. Why is Robotech so beloved? Because for dorks like me Robotech was the first and (for the longest time) only anime we were exposed to. In the 1980's cartoon landscape Robotech offered mature storytelling and consequenses to actions that were't available anywhere else. Despite the horrid Minmei songs and the confusing editing, it STILL holds up today, and that's a lot more than I can say for some other cartoons of the time (cough cough VOLTRON).

Comparisons are nice, but jeeze, how about a real analysis next time? I'll fucking write it if no one else wants to.

Oh and Macross Plus? Awesome.

Okay, pretty much everthing that could be said for either argument has already been said in this thread, so I'm just going to state my preference, and my reasons for it.

I like Macross.

The original series of Macross? Not so much, but the fact that a number of my favourite animes take place in the Macross universe kind of gives it the advantage over what was basically an American children's cartoon.

Say what you will about it, but I really liked Macross 7; it was the first Macross series I ever saw, and to date is the only series that I have actually liked the music in.

Macross Plus? I'm not really a fan to be honest, even though it is the first appearance of my favourite Variable Fighter: The VF-19.

I loved Macross Zero, the animation was spectacular, the story was actually pretty interesting, and provided some background to the Macross universe. I also liked the character designs far more than those of Macross Frontier.

As for Macross Frontier? Well, irritating J-POP nonwithstanding, the series was awesome. The story was engaging (if a little convoluted at times), and the general aesthetic design of most of the technology was great. The fighter combat was awesome, and the scene where the Macross Quarter first goes all CQB on the Vajra's collective asses remains one of my favourite battle sequences in existance.

I've never actually seen Robotech, but I'm pretty sure that even if I did, it would certainly not one-up Macross in my eyes.

Admitted Anime Fanatic~

Both Macross and Robotech sucked. There's a reason why no one remembers them.

could not agree less. if you want to go into the entire arcs, Macross is far larger than Robotech, and is obviously tied together better than Robotech.

Sorry but you are wrong. I ask you why did you like Robotech The Macross Saga??? If instead of the VF-1 we had a getter robot, if instead of Hikaru Ichijo we had Ash from pokemon, do you still think you would like it??? Bet you wouldn't, the truth is, those who made Macross are still doing newer Macross. While at Robotech you have a bunch of people without any real good talent.
Most of the RT fanboys are blind, can't admit that the series they saw in the past is just a LIE, and that there will never be a true sequel to the Robotech: Macross Saga! Why?? Because the macross creators will never "lend" again their work for harmony gay. No macross original staff = No true macross sequel. Plain and simple.

One title: Robotech the Movie

This alone destroys the whole idea the Robotech is better than Macross.

You may as well have just said "Robetech is better because there's an 'R' in the name." Very weak and subjective arguments. C'mon, hit us again. And this time with something more convincing than what basically amount to the author's own personal tastes. You're writing for the masses here; I dare you to appeal to us. ;)

The video entitled "Robotech is terrible, why are you watching this" in entry five amuses me almost as much as the Nyan Nyan song depresses me. That had to have killed a lot of diabetic people.

I hope you enjoy your extra hits.

Hmm... As much as I like Topless Robot, this is one of their weaker articles...

As much as i love both Robotech and Macross, why aren't we comparing Robotech to Southern Cross or Mospeda?

Is it because it's only the Robotech fans and the Macross fans that argue about anything?

When it all comes down to it, the only reason why Macross fans hate Robotech is because Carl Macek fucked up and the States will never get anything after Macross Plus.

Is it really fair to say that a compliation series is better than a regular series? Just saying.

If Harmony Gold put together Evangelion, RahXephon, and Aquarion into a single series, does that mean that Eva is now a shitty show?

I can't really remember that many differences between SDF Macross and Robotech's Macross Saga.

At least in Macross, Minmay is most likely dead in space instead of the mother of inbreed children.

Where to begin...I may as well go through your countdown.

8. I'll give you. The Max and Miria romance is pretty silly in both series. It is less sexist in Robotech, but that is because Americans as a whole are less sexist. I have a MOSPEADA book that mentions the VR-38 Cyclone (Rook/Rose's model) is "Easy to drive even for a woman."

7. If you get to count 3 series for Robotech I get to count the 3 Macross TV series as a whole. SDF: Macross (36 eps) + Macross 7 (49 eps) + Macross: Frontier (25 Eps) = 110 total episodes, 25 more than Robotech. Macross has much more available material.

6. I'll give you Jenius being a silly name but I found it quite amusing that a relatively humble man who happened to be an Ace fighter has the last name Jenius. As for the Focker/Fokker thing, I attribute it to the normal engrish shenanigans.

5. See my previous mentioning about Japan's relatively sexist nature. That is a cultural norm more than anything.

4. Battlecry and Invasion were awful. I found the former's controls to be sluggish and the gameplay to be slow while the later was just a FPS game. The DYRL Saturn game was a great shooter as was the Macross Plus one. The GBA game was also a great game. The first VF-X game was pretty bad but the later ones were great as was Sega's SDF: Macross flight sim in the Ace Combat vein. Overall I think it may be more of a taste factor than anything else, I love scrolling shooters, you seem to not care for them.

3. Plus, Zero, and Frontier are all better than Shadow Chronicles and the god awful Robotech Movie. And M7 is just made of crazy awesome, it is a super robot show. It's production values were pretty low, it was made on the cheap with lots of stock footage but it was genuinely entertaining and has the best music in the meta-series. Plus, Zero, and Frontier all have way better animation than SC and former two preceded SC by a few years.

2. If you hold Macross responsible for Clash of the Bionoids, I hold Robotech responsible for the butchering of Megazone 23.

1. Anything Fire Bomber > anything in Robotech. Do You Remember Love? > anything in Robotech. Dog Fighter > anything in Robotech. Hell I like the opening in Macross more than the instrumental opening of Robotech though that is one of the better tracks on that OST. My Boyfriend's a Pilot > To Be in Love, both are insipid little songs but the former at least has a catchy tagline.

Most of your points have been refuted. Take off the nostalgia glasses and take your nose out of Harmony Gold's behind.

Kill yourself.

Both Macross and Robotech suck HUGE...

While Harmony Gold doesnt' pretend to taken the footage from Super Dimensional Fortress Macross. They just keep milking their cash cow from idiotic die hards who still think Shadow Chronicles was the best thing since sliced bread.

As for Stupid Macross fans, they think their ideas are original for every sequel they make, the only good Macross was the original one.

Not the garbage rehash, retold story found in the sequels. Big West atleast can make sequels consistantly, but sucker their fans in telling their story, over and over and over and over and over, again and AGAIN!

Both Macross fans and Robotech fans are stupid idiots with limited mindsets following two controversial companies with bad practises on handling their respected franchises.

The creators of Macross can never make a sequel that differs much in storyline from the original.

Atleast Harmony Gold tried to make a sequel that wasnt' following the old storylines, even though Shadow Chronicles still SUCKS!

As such, I don't follow Macross and Robotech fans as their ilk are ALL one and the same, and both handily deserve one another.

That's why Gundam fans and most Otakus HATE both Macross/Robotech with a passion.

Because with loonies such as these, the anime fandom would be better off to see both of these two franchises die.

So...umm what you are implying is that you have no idea what you are talking about. Well why couldn't you have just said that in the first place?

For instance, Clash of the Bionoids was not dubbed in Hong Kong. In fact the movie was already dubbed and released in Japan (yes JAPAN) long before it was chopped up and made it over here.

Macross DYRL had a version that was dubbed in Australia and rereleased in Japan for schools as an aid in teaching kids english. I actually had a bootleg version of that one a year or 2 before it became Clash of the Bionoids.

I feel like i wasted a few minutes of my life reading this ...

I feel like i wasted a few minutes of my life reading this ...

Your article makes no sense you only used some half assed arguements. I do not believe in you writing credentials, for example not knowing the difference between a sequel and a prequel and using a voice actor as a way to win an arguement both weak writing and also weak stand point. I don't hate either but if your going to make an arguement like this I waould like more convincing evidence and not just a retarded view of something.

Hey Todd...you are a douchebag !!

So I see this is where Row-boat-tech fanatics hang out and declare their allegiance to a mistake made 20 years ago.

Robotech is terrible. It's that simple.

This article serves as a case for those who have very little or poor understanding of the nature of anime. Judging a Japanese animation from a western perspective is both idiotic and irresponsible. It's like going to a vegetarian restaurant and complain to the owner for not serving meat on their menu.

Row-boat-tech may have been the one show that introduce anime to America but it is still a piece of crap. Also, you're judging an anime that was made over 20 years using a 2009 perspective. What makes a good anime in your opinion then?

I love them both, honestly. Robotech was what got me into anime for the most part and for that it holds a special place in my heart. I read the books, bought Shadow Chronicles, and have the entire protoculture collection. I also love Macross, however.

They're both good, just different. I think comparing them is a bad idea. Neither is better or worse.

I should mention that Clash of the Bioroids is only one version of the same movie. A completely uncensored version was also sold at Electronics Boutique under the name Macross.

To all who have commented: I love each and every one of you.

I just wish we could get some of the sweet Yamato 1/48th figures in the states. Come on Harmony Gold. Give it a rest already.

You're full of shit.

Two words, "Minmay naked."

Hint to the article writer: If you want to write a more credible article, try not to let your bias soak through the entire thing. Lines like "And then [Macross Fans will] type another four paragraphs that we won't bother reading because they're boring and mention Star Blazers too much" really weaken the entire thing and discredit your position. One of the key elements of a good comparative article is objectivity, and there is little to be seen here. Who's going to take you seriously when you're clearly being unreasonable? Besides people who are clearly unreasonable themselves, that is.

I will say one thing in support of Macross, though, as evidenced by the comments above: Ever notice that most of the people who like Robotech simply do because of nostalgia? Of course, to be fair, that's really the only reason to like SDF Macross or the original Mobile Suit Gundam, either. These shows were ground-breaking in their time, but we've had much better outings for them since then.

Entertaining read and chuckle to go with my morning hot coco. Personal opinions and being bias is a Robotech fan's only weapon these days.

I love Robotech (own all the Toy Mecha AND Books AND DVDs). I also LOVE Macross. I think Frontier was excellent. You don't have to pick sides to like good anime.

Who gives a fuck?

I can sort of see where you're coming from re: Robotech, given nostalgia and all. Except on one point.

The Robotech theme is better?

Are you insane!?

It doesn't help that the version of the original you posted is some strange remake of it, and not the original, which is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3izRIqNKzE&feature=fvsr

And you have to admit that, while most of Macross 7 was filler, Nekki Basara is the baddest motherfucker around.

Robotech is what got me into anime in the first place, and for that I'll always be grateful. However, to compare both the full run of Robotech (TV Show, comic books, novels, etc) to the Macross franchise is an exercise in futility. Why does one HAVE to be better than the other. Sure they are different, but Robotech die-hards/Macross critics need to get over it.

I was 8 in '85 when I watched Robotech for the first time on syndication. I scrambled to find all the VHS tapes in the early 90's I've read all the novels. Read all the comics. Played the RPGs and video games. And still enjoy the Macross franchise as it's own separate entity.

The mentality that one is better than the other is just ignorance in full effect. Both can be enjoyed as long as the viewer can grasp that they're two different universes.

Creating a rift when none is needed just pointless trolling.

I can't wait for the nonsensical flaming.

If you'd all let me take a cue from (and by that I mean "blatantly steal and copy") Yahtzee Croshaw's article on sequels, here's my view on Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles and Macross Frontier (both of which I've seen):

There will always be sequels because there will always be people willing to spend money on sequels. So with that in mind, here's a law for all sequels:

Sequels should only be made by people who didn't like the original.

I can't decide if this should apply to situations when the sequel is scheduled, planned out and factored into the story from the very beginning, as with, say, the Lord of the Rings movies. That's not really a 'sequel,' is it? It's more of a 'serial.' I'm thinking more in terms of new stories after the first one has been resolved. But then again, a good serial generally has an understandable, self-contained story within each episode (as with pre-ruined Star Wars). And when it comes to tv series, if you can't tell a complete story within 50 or so 22min episodes, then maybe you should consider simplifying it a tad.

So here's the scenario: You own some intellectual property. Let's pick two examples completely out of the air - Robotech and Macross. The original shows ended their respective stories about as thoroughly as they could, without sawing their own legs off. But the cocaine trough is running low and you want to make a sequel. Two people want the job. One didn't really like Robotech/Macross much because it got a bit too childish at times and it was poorly put together, so he wants to completely overall the concepts and story. The other is a die-hard fan of the series who swears he will pay proper respect and bring back all his favorite characters and running gags and give it great big cuddles and make sure no nasty men do it any harm for ever and ever and ever. Who do you give the project to?

I think it's the fans you need to be most wary of. The ones who talk about 'paying respect.' Respect? It's a cartoon franchise, it's not the fucking House of Hanover. Fans are virtually defined by their habit of placing the works they like on unfathomable pedestals, and if you let them continue the series, they'll be making games for themselves, no-one else.

I look at The Shadow Chronicles and Macross Frontier and I see shows that follow a lot of the same cues as the originals but miss a lot of points. Throughout Shadow Chronicles, characters sing and whistle Minnmay's songs, failing to realize that her songs were one of the worst parts of Robotech; and in Macross Frontier, the Vajra are aliens fought off with giant mechs and pop music just like in the original Macross, but unlike the Zentraide, who had defining characters and significantly and realistically developed character arcs, the Vajra are virtually character-less.

Fans create sequels that hold up the predecessors as something to live up to, rather than something to improve upon. And that's not the right mindset to take. If you're not going to try to be better, what's the point? To give something to all the other fans? They won't appreciate it. The more fan-oriented an installment becomes, the more holes they find to pick in it. Some kind of Un-fan-ny Valley effect, perhaps. But give it to someone who isn't a fan and they'll force it to change, and evolve. The fans will like it even less, but frankly, fuck 'em.

I'm not saying that drastic changes will always produce something better, I mean, I saw Highlander 2. But in the long run, nothing stays good by wallowing around unchallenged in the same territory as always. Because when you've got a sacred monument it's better to tear it down and rebuild it with hookers and rocket launchers, rather than leave it unchanged to gather pigeon poo for another few stagnant years.

I just want to say that roboturd is for murderers and pedophiles.

This is the most idiotic thing i have ever read on the internet. I think the author needs to get his facts straight. I hope he is just trolling and he doesn't really believe his nonsense.

I had exposure to Robotech before I did Macross, and I still like Macross better. That bloody narrator annoyed the shit out of me, and while some of the songs on the Robotech score are good, there are too few of them and the soundtrack just becomes repetitive. SDF Macross has a good score, and Minmay's songs are better. Fronteir's score is fucking BRILLIANT (with the exception of Ranka.)

All hail lord Shoji Kawamori! Long live Macross! Harmony Gold and Robotech fans should kill themselves for the love of Shoji Kawamori! And Merry Yune-mas and a happy Yune-year! Yune-suck!

What a waste of time. Did you even bother to try and have the lyrics of Macross songs translated?

Max's name is a pun on him being a "genius".

I want 15 minutes of my life back. I was hoping for some good concrete reasons (which is why I read this blog) and there's nothing here but a fanboy article that can hardly convince. Fail.

Whether you call him Rick or Hikaru, they're both drawn by Haruhiko Mikimoto. And it doesn't matter what you call the Vf-1 or that you renamed Macross, Robotech: The Macross saga, that's still Shoji Kawamori's work. So can Robotech accept the fact that Japanese people made this? No, of course not. A Macross fan can accept this as Shoji Kawamori's work[if their was no Macross, their would be no Robotech].Because of Robotech fans hatred on the other hand,they can't accept anyone outside the USA.

Looking by the comment section, we can easily say that Macross is more popular WORLDWIDE than roboturd since more people are defending Macross than roboshit. Macross = many successful sequels and roboshit = one shitty sequel (shadow crapnipples). Macross won long time ago and only roboass fuckers like PizzaThe Hutt and Treiz over robotech.com would dare to say the contrary. Shame on these idiots.

I'm still not convinced.

Please try again...

All I read in your treatise were subjective preferences and attempted belittling of a non-English show to friends and family who already frequent this blog.

It's all well and good to enjoy Robotech, however attempting to convince the ignorant that it is superior to the show to the one it was based upon, is much like comparing an Andy Warhol print of the Mona Lisa to the original Da Vinci painting.

They are far too different to be compared evenly.

You know, if Robotech fans don't like Macross so much, they should tell Harmony Gold USA to stop using Macross TV as Robotech: The Macross Saga. Hey, no one is forcing them to use Macross. And I bet Big West wants Harmony Gold USA to have nothing to do with Macross. If I'm wrong, why don't they try to license anything Macross from Big West... Or even say the name "Big West". They can't do either, because if it were up to Big West, Harmony Gold USA wouldn't have the rights to anything Macross at all.

This article is bad and you should feel bad for writing it.

Nostalgia goggles much? If I asked you your favorite color, you'd say 'ham'.

BAWWWW I PREFER HARMONY GOLD'S RAPE OF THE FRANCHISE

BAWWWWW I FEEL BAD I'D HAVE TO WATCH THE REAL THING TO ACTUALLY ENJOY MACROSS AS MACROSS.

Suck it up you retard. You're watching a "for kids" version of one of the best scifi franchises Japan has to offer.

Also, Zero/Plus were epic. Shut your whore mouth you whiny mouth-breathing neckless pig-faced waste of blood and organs.

1 reason that macross is better then Robotech
Robotech would of been nothing without macross
(also i like both of them)

WTF piece of shit Robotech